Dog Training Treats: Choosing the Right Reward at the Right Time
One of the most common questions I get as a dog trainer is, “What treats should I use during training?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a simple framework that works for almost every dog and every situation.
Understanding treat value and how to use it strategically can completely change the outcome of your training sessions. It’s not about giving more food. It’s about giving the right reward for the moment.
Treats Are Your Dog’s Paycheck: Why Reward Value Matters
Imagine going to work every day… but never getting paid. How long would you stay motivated? How quickly would your enthusiasm fade?
For your dog, treats are their paycheck. They’re not bribes—they’re a clear, tangible reward for choosing focus, good behavior, and connection with you. And just like we expect to be paid fairly for our efforts, your dog deserves a reward that matches their work.
But here’s the key: it’s not about overfeeding—it’s about strategic payment. Just as a paycheck should reflect the difficulty of the job, your treat value should match the challenge of the moment.
For easy, everyday skills (like “sit” in your quiet living room), a low-value treat is perfect—like a steady hourly wage.
For moderate challenges (like walking calmly past other dogs), a medium-value treat is your “bonus” for extra effort.
For big breakthroughs (like staying calm around a major trigger), a high-value treat is your “overtime pay.”
Understanding treat value and how to use it strategically can completely change the outcome of your training sessions. It’s not about giving more food. It’s about giving the right reward for the moment.
Let’s dive into how to choose the best treats, match them to your training goals, and set your dog up for success.
Your Dog Decides What’s High-Value
Here’s the most important thing to remember: your dog decides what’s high-value — not you.
You might think chicken is the holy grail of treats… but your dog might completely disagree. I’ve worked with dogs who ignored meat but lost their minds over romaine lettuce. (Yes, really.)
One of my favorite ways to figure out what your dog loves most? Offer two different treats — one in each hand — and let them choose.
Whichever one they gravitate toward is your “winner.” From there, you can mentally rank your treats and use them strategically depending on the training situation.
Some treats will be perfect for everyday behaviors. Others? Save them for big moments, new skills, or working through distractions.
Match the Treat to the Moment
Not every training environment is created equal and not every treat will hold your dog’s attention the same way in different settings. A piece of kibble might work perfectly for sit-stay practice in the living room, but fall completely flat during a walk past barking dogs or a crowded park.
Use lower-value treats for calm, low-distraction environments, like indoors or in your backyard.
Use higher-value rewards for situations with lots of stimulation, new sights, or emotional intensity — like walks, reactivity training, or public outings.
Think of treat value like currency: you need a few coins to buy something small… but a larger investment for the big, life-changing work.
How to Use Treats Strategically in Training
Understanding treat value is only half the battle. Here’s how to use them effectively:
Start Simple: Begin with low-value treats for easy, low-distraction behaviors. Gradually increase to medium or high-value treats as you add distractions.
Adjust Based on Environment: Use higher-value treats for challenging situations, like training around other dogs or practicing new skills.
Mix It Up: Use a treat pouch with a “trail mix” of different treat types. This keeps your dog guessing and maintains their interest.
Keep Treats Tiny: Dogs don’t care about the size — they care about the taste. Use pea-sized pieces to avoid overfeeding and keep them motivated. One treat can be many rewards. Break up larger treats into 10–15 tiny bits. It keeps your dog working without overloading their system.
Use Treats for More Than Just Commands/Cues: Treats can also reward calm behavior, crate time, or even just settling down quietly.
Check your dog’s reaction. High-value is subjective. What one dog loves, another might ignore. Your dog is the real judge. Sometimes their favorite treat indoors is not their favorite treat outdoors with competing distractions. This is especially common with anxious dogs. Bring a variety out with you and switch it up often.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Treat-Based Training
Even with the best treats, there are a few common pitfalls that can weaken your training results. Here’s how to avoid them:
🚫 Overfeeding: Treats should be small, pea-sized rewards — not large steak size pieces over and over. If you’re training frequently, consider using part of your dog’s daily food allowance as treats to prevent overfeeding.
🚫 Relying Only on Treats: Treats are a fantastic tool for teaching new behaviors, but they shouldn’t become a crutch. Once your dog understands a cue, gradually transition from a 1:1 reward system (every correct response gets a treat) to intermittent reinforcement (treats become occasional surprises). This keeps your dog engaged without becoming dependent on food.
🚫 Not Matching Treat Value to the Situation: A piece of kibble might work for sit-stay in your living room, but it won’t cut it at a crowded park with barking dogs. Make sure you’re using high-value treats for high-distraction situations and lower-value treats for calm, familiar environments.
🚫 Revealing the Treats Too Soon: If your dog can always see the treat in your hand, they may become fixated on the food instead of focusing on you. This leads to the classic problem: “My dog only listens when I have a treat in my hand.” Instead:
Keep treats hidden in your pocket, behind your back, or in a pouch.
Use “stealth rewards” — have treats stashed in different areas (like on a counter or in your pocket) so your dog never knows where the reward will come from.
Practice rewarding with hidden treats, so your dog learns that listening pays off, even when they can’t see the prize.
Avoiding these common mistakes can make your training sessions smoother, more effective, and keep your dog’s focus on you — not just the food.
The Three Levels of Treat Value
Not all training situations are the same, and not all treats should be used the same way. I recommend organizing treats into three value categories:
🦴 Low-Value Treats: Everyday Rewards
Low-value treats are great for basic training in calm, familiar environments. They’re ideal for reinforcing commands your dog already knows, rewarding polite behavior, or practicing skills in a quiet space without major distractions.
What Makes a Treat Low-Value?
Mild Flavor: These treats are tasty but not overwhelmingly exciting.
Low Odor: They don’t have a strong scent, making them less distracting.
Easily Digestible: Because they’re mild, they can be used in higher quantities without upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Examples of Low-Value Treats:
Your dog’s regular kibble
Small, dry training treats (like Zuke’s Mini Naturals)
Tiny pieces of plain rice cake or cereal
Freeze-dried vegetables (like green beans or sweet potatoes)
Homemade dehydrated treats with a neutral flavor
When to Use Low-Value Treats:
Indoor training sessions with minimal distractions
Practicing known cues in low distraction environments
Reinforcing calm behavior (like resting quietly on their bed)
These treats are perfect for high repetition training because they’re easy to digest and don’t overstimulate.
Trainer Tip: Many crunchy treats are too large straight out of the bag. Break them into tiny morsels so your dog gets a quick taste without filling up. Ten little crumbs feel like ten rewards—way more motivating than one big crunchy bite!
Heads up: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something I’ve shared, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend tools and products I personally use or love. Read my full disclaimer here
Some of My Favorite Low-Value Treats for Training
These crunchy options are great for frequent rewards—especially during longer training sessions where you don’t want to overload your dog with calories.
Charlee Bear Original Crunch – 3-calorie, crunchy, and super simple
👉 Charlee Bear TreatsFruitables Baked Treats – Fun fruit flavors like pumpkin, apple, and banana
👉 Fruitables Variety PackYitto Paws Organic Minis – Hypoallergenic, strawberry & oat-based
👉 Yitto Paws TreatsFromm Crunchy O’s – Tasty, crunchy, and easy to break apart
👉 Crunchy O’s TreatsFromm Salmon Kibble — Using novel kibble other than their regular diet can be a great option.
👉 Fromm Kibble
🧀 Medium-Value Treats: For Moderate Distractions & Skill Building
Medium-value treats are a step up from everyday rewards. These are for situations where your dog needs a little extra motivation — but not the highest level of excitement.
What Makes a Treat Medium-Value?
Moderate Flavor: Tasty enough to keep your dog’s attention without being extremely overwhelming.
Soft Texture: Often chewy, making them more appealing.
Slightly More Aromatic: A subtle scent that catches your dog’s interest.
Examples of Medium-Value Treats:
Soft training treats
Treats with a higher moisture content
Varied protein sources
When to Use Medium-Value Treats:
Practicing new skills in a low-distraction environment (like your backyard)
Training in familiar outdoor spaces, like your neighborhood
Reinforcing cues with mild distractions (like a friend visiting your home)
Working on polite greetings without jumping
Some of My Favorite Medium-Value Treats for Training
These soft, moist treats strike a great balance between motivation and moderation. They're perfect for mild to moderate distraction areas, practicing new skills, or when you want a little more enthusiasm without overdoing it. I often break these treats up even smaller to last longer.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals – Soft, moist, and under 3 calories; great for daily drills
👉 Zuke’s Mini NaturalsWellness Soft Puppy Bites – Lamb & salmon; gentle on the stomach and easy to break
👉 Wellness Soft BitesBlue Buffalo Bits – Heart-shaped, meat-based treats with DHA for brain support
👉 Blue Buffalo BitsPet Botanics Training Minis – Real pork liver, only 1.5 calories each, and come in big bags
👉 Pet BotanicsPup-Peroni Dog Treats — The equivalent of a Big Mac for dogs. Use only tiny pieces sparingly.
👉 Pup-Peroni TreatsStella & Chewy’s Meal Mixer — Easy to break up and a variety of flavors
👉 Meal Mixers
💡 Rotate between flavors to keep your dog engaged without overloading on one protein or ingredient.
🍗 High-Value Treats: The Ultimate Rewards
High-value treats are your secret weapon for difficult situations, new skills, or highly distracting environments. These are the “wow” treats — the ones your dog can’t resist.
What Makes a Treat High-Value?
Irresistible Flavor: Rich, savory, and packed with taste.
Strong Aroma: Dogs can smell them from a distance, instantly catching their attention.
Moist or Juicy Texture: Often soft, which makes them quick to eat and extra satisfying.
Examples of High-Value Treats:
When used correctly, these treats become your ultimate training leverage—the equivalent of a huge “YES!” that tells your dog, this is exactly what I wanted!
When to Use High-Value Treats:
Training in high-distraction environments (like parks, pet stores, or public spaces)
Working on recall (coming when called)
Behavior modification (like reactivity training, counter-conditioning, or fear desensitization)
Rewarding difficult cues (like “leave it” around tempting items)
Encouraging focus during training
High-Value Favorites:
Boiled Chicken – Clean, lean, and super effective
Diced Hot Dogs – Cheap, easy, and beloved (use in moderation)
Cheese Sticks – Soft, portable, and highly motivating
Deli Meat – Thin-sliced turkey or ham in tiny bites
Canned Tripe or Other “Gross but Amazing” Proteins – Dogs go wild for the stink
Canned Wet Food in a Squeeze Pouch – Ideal for leash reactivity or when you need fast delivery
👉 Reusable Squeeze PouchDehydrated Beef Liver — Dogs go crazy for this treat, but it can be hard to break up into pieces
👉 Dehydrated Beef LiverDehydrated Fish Treats — Many varieties to choose from
👉 Cod & Salmon TreatsFreeze Dried Minnows — Stinky, crunchy and a crowd favorite
👉 Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Minnows
💡 Pro Tip: Keep high-value rewards exclusive so they hold their power. Your dog should light up when they see you grab one—because they know it means something special is about to happen.
How to Easily Manage Multiple Treat Values
Carrying multiple treat values can be tricky, but here’s how I make it work with my clients:
Use a treat pouch with two or three compartments (one for each value).
Mix treats into a “trail mix” in one pouch — this keeps your dog guessing and engaged.
Mentally assign a value to each treat type, and upgrade or downgrade based on the situation.
🎒 Treat Pouches Matter More Than You Think
You might think any treat pouch will do — but the truth is, the right treat pouch can make a big difference in your training success and your sanity. A well-designed treat pouch keeps you organized, ensures you’re fast on your rewards, and prevents the dreaded “treat scramble” (where you’re fumbling for a treat just when your dog does something amazing).
What Makes a Great Treat Pouch?
A great treat pouch is more than just a bag — it’s a training tool. Here’s what I look for:
✅Quick Access:
The best pouches allow you to grab a treat with one hand, without fumbling or getting stuck. This is critical for marking behaviors with perfect timing — a second too late, and your dog might not connect the reward with the action.
✅ Secure Closure:
Look for pouches that stay open when you need them to but close easily to keep treats fresh and prevent spills. Magnetic closures are a great option for this because they’re fast and secure.
✅ Comfortable to Wear:
Whether you prefer a belt clip, a waist strap, or a crossbody style, your pouch should fit comfortably and stay in place. An uncomfortable pouch can be distracting, especially if it bounces around or digs into your side.
✅ Easy to Clean:
Treat pouches can get messy quickly — especially if you use high-value, moist, or greasy treats. Look for washable, water-resistant, or silicone-lined options that you can easily wipe clean.
✅ Multiple Compartments or Multiple Bags
If you like to carry different treat values (low, medium, and high-value), a pouch with multiple compartments can help you keep them separate and reward strategically.
🎒 Different Pouches for Different Situations
Just like you might have different shoes for hiking versus running, you might find it helpful to have different treat pouches for different training scenarios:
Outdoor Training or Walks:
Choose a larger pouch that can hold plenty of treats, your phone, poop bags, and other essentials.
Look for waterproof or water-resistant materials, especially if you train in all weather conditions.
A secure closure (like a magnetic snap or drawstring) prevents treats from spilling.
Indoor Training at Home:
A smaller, low-profile pouch is perfect for short, focused sessions.
Look for a design that won’t get in your way or snag on furniture.
A quick-access open top works well for fast reward delivery.
Messy Treats (High-Value Training):
Choose a washable or silicone-lined pouch for greasy, smelly, or wet treats (like cheese, hot dogs, or peanut butter).
This keeps the mess contained and makes cleaning up a breeze.
My Top Treat Pouch Recommendations:
👉 My favorite everyday pouch
👉 My favorite pouch for training away from home
👉 My favorite easy-to-clean pouch for high-value rewards
👉 My favorite small pocket pouch for in-home use
👉 My favorite casual in-home training pouch
The easier it is to access and manage your treats, the smoother your training session will go — and the less frustrated you will be!
🚨 Best Treat Options for Reactive Dogs
Working with a reactive dog is all about timing, focus, and impact. Your rewards need to be fast, high-value, and easy to deliver — because when your dog is reacting or on edge, every second counts. The right treats can help you capture calm behavior, redirect your dog’s focus, and build a positive association with triggers.
But here’s the key: you don’t just need any treats — you need the right treats. Ones that your dog will truly value, even in high-stress situations.
What Makes a Great Treat for Reactive Dogs?
High-Value: Think of your dog’s absolute favorites — the ones they would choose over everything else. This could be small pieces of cheese, hot dogs, freeze-dried liver, chicken, or even high-quality deli meat.
Soft and Quick to Eat: You don’t want treats that take forever to chew. Go for soft, bite-sized pieces that your dog can eat quickly without slowing down your training flow.
No Crumbling or Mess: Avoid treats that break apart easily, making a mess in your pocket or pouch. This keeps your focus on your dog instead of cleaning up crumbs.
Portable and Easy to Access: Make sure you can grab these treats quickly, even in fast-paced situations. A magnetic treat pouch or a silicone-lined pouch can be a game-changer.
Top Treats I Recommend for Reactive Dogs:
Real Meat Treats: Soft, high-protein options like freeze-dried liver, chicken, or salmon. These are aromatic and instantly grab your dog’s attention.
Cheese or Deli Meat: Small cubes of cheddar, mozzarella string cheese, or thinly sliced deli turkey. These are high-value for most dogs and easy to carry.
DIY Wet Food in a Reusable Squeeze Pouch – Load up with canned food, raw blends, or mashed boiled chicken
👉 Reusable Squeeze Pouch
Pre-Made Baby Food Pouches – Convenient, clean, and great in a pinch
👉 My Favorite Baby Food Option
Treats in a Spray Can – Like cheese whiz for dogs or Kong’s peanut butter Easy Treat.
👉 Kong Easy Treat
Pro Tip: Keep a pouch loaded and ready in your training bag so you’re always prepared when triggers show up unexpectedly.
If you’re struggling with leash reactivity — barking, lunging, or overreacting to other dogs or distractions — you’re not alone. Leash reactivity can be a frustrating and emotional challenge, but with the right tools, timing, and strategy, you can transform your walks.
➡️ Check out my Leash Reactivity Guide here for a complete step-by-step approach to understanding and transforming your dog’s reactivity.
Final Thoughts: Paying Your Dog Well for Their Best Behavior
Remember, treats are not just snacks—they're your dog's paycheck. They communicate value, build motivation, and create a clear connection between good behavior and rewarding outcomes. But just like any paycheck, the reward should match the effort.
When you understand treat value and use it strategically, you’re not just feeding your dog—you’re reinforcing focus, building trust, and creating a powerful training partnership.
So whether you’re asking for a simple sit in your living room or navigating a high-stress reactivity trigger, pay your dog well for their work. Be consistent, be fair, and most importantly, be intentional.
Because just like us, your dog will always choose the most rewarding job. Make sure that job is listening to you.
🐾 Want Help Designing the Right Training Plan?
If you’d like help designing a training plan with the right rewards for your dog’s unique needs, I offer in-person sessions in the Alpharetta area and virtual consults nationwide. We’ll figure out exactly what motivates your dog and how to use it to your advantage — with love, clarity, and structure that works.
👉 Click here to book a session or learn more
💬 Join the Conversation
What’s your dog’s favorite treat?
Have you noticed a moment where switching up treat value made a difference in their focus or behavior?
👇 Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear how you're using rewards to build a deeper connection with your pup!
About the Author
Jackie Audette is the founder and head trainer at Channeled Canine Coaching based out of Alpharetta, GA, and virtually servicing clients worldwide. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), with over a decade of experience working with pet dogs, service dogs, and complex behavior cases. Jackie holds a bachelors degree in Animal Science and specializes in modern, reward-based training that builds trust and real-life results.
